Non-nicotine electronic vaping device

ABSTRACT

In the non-nicotine electronic vaping device, a saturation sensor measures at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a first time and a second time, wherein the at least one electrical characteristic includes a resistance, a capacitance, or both a resistance and a capacitance. Control circuitry is configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to: calculate a refill rate at which the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows onto the wick based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at least one electrical characteristic at the second time; determine that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and output a low non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/929,507, filed on Jul. 15, 2020, the entirecontents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to a non-nicotine electronic vaping ore-vaping device.

Description of Related Art

A non-nicotine electronic vaping or e-vaping device includes a heatingelement that vaporizes a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to produce anon-nicotine vapor.

A non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a power supply, such as arechargeable battery, arranged in the device. The power supply iselectrically connected to the heater. The power supply provides power tothe heater such that the heater heats to a temperature sufficient toconvert the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a non-nicotine vapor.The non-nicotine vapor exits the non-nicotine e-vaping device through amouthpiece including at least one outlet.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vaping devicecomprising: a non-nicotine reservoir configured to hold non-nicotinepre-vapor formulation; a wick configured to draw non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation from the non-nicotine reservoir; a heating elementconfigured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from thenon-nicotine reservoir; a probe wire along a length of the wick, theprobe wire being separated from the heating element by the wick; asaturation sensor; and control circuitry. The saturation sensor isconfigured to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of thewick between the heating element and the probe wire at a first time, theat least one electrical characteristic including a resistance, acapacitance, or both a resistance and a capacitance; and measure the atleast one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heatingelement and the probe wire at a second time, the second time beingsubsequent to the first time. The control circuitry is configured tocause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to: calculate a refill rate atwhich the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows onto the wick basedon the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and theat least one electrical characteristic at the second time; determinethat the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and output alow non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determiningthat the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

According to at least some example embodiments, the control circuitrymay be configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to calculatethe refill rate based on a difference between the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the first time and the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the second time.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: compute a first impedance based on the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the first time; compute a second impedancebased on the at least one electrical characteristic at the second time;and calculate the refill rate based on a difference between the firstimpedance and the second impedance.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: measure the at least one electrical characteristicof the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a thirdtime; determine that the at least one electrical characteristic at thethird time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and disablevaping at the non-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determiningthat the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time isgreater than or equal to the threshold value.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: measure the at least one electrical characteristicof the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a thirdtime; determine that the at least one electrical characteristic at thethird time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and output alow non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determiningthat the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time isgreater than or equal to the threshold value.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: measure the at least one electrical characteristicof the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a thirdtime; compute an impedance of the wick based on the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the third time; determine that theimpedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and disablevaping at the non-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determiningthat the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: measure the at least one electrical characteristicof the wick between the heating element and the probe wire at a thirdtime; compute an impedance of the wick based on the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the third time; determine that theimpedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and output alow non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determiningthat the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

The non-nicotine e-vaping device may further include a power supplyconfigured to provide power to the non-nicotine e-vaping device.

The probe wire may be a stainless steel wire.

At least one other example embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vapingdevice comprising: an outer housing; an inner tube coaxially positionedwithin the outer housing; a non-nicotine reservoir configured to hold anon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine reservoirpositioned between the inner tube and the outer housing; a wickconfigured to draw non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from thenon-nicotine reservoir; a heating element configured to heat thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the non-nicotinereservoir; a saturation sensor assembly; and control circuitry. Thesaturation sensor assembly is configured to measure at least oneelectrical characteristic between the outer housing and the inner tubeat a first time and a second time, the second time being subsequent tothe first time. The control circuitry is configured to cause thenon-nicotine e-vaping device to: calculate a refill rate at which thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows onto the wick based on the atleast one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at leastone electrical characteristic at the second time; determine that therefill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and output a lownon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determining thatthe refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

The non-nicotine e-vaping device may further include a probe wire aroundthe outer perimeter of the inner tube, wherein the saturation sensorassembly may be configured to measure the at least one electricalcharacteristic between the outer housing and the inner tube by measuringthe at least one electrical characteristic between the outer housing andthe probe wire around the outer perimeter of the inner tube. The probewire may be a stainless steel wire.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to calculate the refill rate based on a differencebetween the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time andthe at least one electrical characteristic at the second time.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: compute a first impedance based on the electricalcharacteristic at the first time; compute a second impedance based onthe electrical characteristic at the second time; and calculate therefill rate based on a difference between the first impedance and thesecond impedance.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: measure the at least one electrical characteristicof the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a thirdtime; determine that the at least one electrical characteristic at thethird time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and disablevaping at the non-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determiningthat the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time isgreater than or equal to the threshold value.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: measure the at least one electrical characteristicof the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a thirdtime; determine that the at least one electrical characteristic at thethird time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and output alow non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determiningthat the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time isgreater than or equal to the threshold value.

The control circuitry is configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vapingdevice to: measure the at least one electrical characteristic of thewick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time;compute an impedance of the wick based on the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the third time; determine that the impedance isgreater than or equal to a threshold value; and disable vaping at thenon-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determining that theimpedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

The control circuitry may be configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to: measure the at least one electrical characteristicof the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a thirdtime; compute an impedance of the wick based on the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the third time; determine that theimpedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and output alow non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determiningthat the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

At least one other example embodiment provides a method for detectingdepletion of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in a non-nicotinereservoir of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the method comprising:measuring at least one electrical characteristic of a wick between aheating element and a probe wire at a first time, the at least oneelectrical characteristic including a resistance, a capacitance, or botha resistance and a capacitance; measuring the at least one electricalcharacteristic of the wick between the heating element and the probewire at a second time, the second time being subsequent to the firsttime; calculating a refill rate at which non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation flows onto the wick based on the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the first time and the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the second time; determining that the refill rate isless than a threshold refill rate; and outputting a low non-nicotinepre-vapor formulation alert in response to determining that the refillrate is less than the threshold refill rate.

According to at least some example embodiments the method may furtherinclude: measuring the at least one electrical characteristic of thewick between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time;determining that the at least one electrical characteristic at the thirdtime is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and disabling vapingat the non-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determining that theat least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater thanor equal to the threshold value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodimentsherein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawingsare merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawingsare not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Forpurposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have beenexaggerated.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a non-nicotine electronic vaping or e-vapingdevice according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of the firstsection of the non-nicotine e-vaping device shown in FIG. 1 along lineII-IT.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an example embodiment of the first sectionshown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a secondsection of the electronic vaping device shown in FIG. 1 along lineII-IT.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an example embodiment of the secondsection shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of thenon-nicotine e-vaping device shown in FIG. 1 along line II-IT.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of asaturation circuit assembly.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of asaturation circuit assembly.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of asaturation circuit assembly.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of saturation determination circuitarrangement.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation depletion detection according to example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Exampleembodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forthherein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of variousmodifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof areshown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described indetail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent tolimit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to thecontrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of exampleembodiments Like numbers refer to like elements throughout thedescription of the figures.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a non-nicotine e-vaping device according to atleast one example embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in at least one example embodiment, a non-nicotineelectronic vaping device (e-vaping device) 10 includes a replaceablecartridge (or first section) 105 and a reusable battery section (orsecond section) 110. The first section 105 and the second section 110may be coupled together at a connector assembly 115.

In at least one example embodiment, the connector assembly 115 may be aconnector as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/154,439, filedMay 13, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference thereto. As described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/154,439,the connector assembly 115 may be formed by a deep drawn process.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first section 105includes a first housing 120 and the second section 110 includes asecond housing 120′. The non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 includes amouthpiece 125 at a first end 130, and an end cap 135 at a second end140.

According to at least one example embodiment, the first housing 120 andthe second housing 120′ may have a generally cylindrical cross-section.In other example embodiments, the housings 120 and 120′ may have agenerally triangular, rectangular, oval, square, or polygonalcross-section along one or more of the first section 105 and the secondsection 110. Furthermore, the housings 120 and 120′ may have the same ordifferent cross-section shape, or the same or different size. Asdiscussed herein, the housings 120, 120′ may also be referred to asouter or main housings.

Although example embodiments may be described in some instances withregard to the first section 105 coupled to the second section 110,example embodiments should not be limited to these examples.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first section 105 of thenon-nicotine e-vaping device 10 along line II-II in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 isan exploded view of an example embodiment of the first section 105 shownin FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first housing 120 extends in alongitudinal direction and an air tube 202 (or chimney) is coaxiallypositioned within the first housing 120.

A first end portion (e.g., upstream with respect to air flow duringvaping) of the air tube 202, a first nose portion 204 of a first gasket206 (or seal) is fitted into the air tube 202. An outer perimeter of thefirst gasket 206 may provide a seal with an interior surface of thefirst housing 120. The first gasket 206 includes a central, longitudinalair passage 208 in fluid communication with the air tube 202 to definean inner passage (also referred to as a central channel or central innerpassage) 210. A transverse channel 212 at a backside portion of thefirst gasket 206 intersects and communicates with the air passage 208 ofthe first gasket 206. The transverse channel 212 enables fluidcommunication between the air passage 208 and a central air passage 214,which is discussed in more detail later.

A first connector piece 216 is fitted into a first end of the firsthousing 120. The first connector piece 216 is part of the connectorassembly 115.

The first connector piece 216 is a hollow cylinder with female threadson a portion of the outer lateral surface. The first connector piece 216is conductive, and may be formed of, or coated with, a conductivematerial. The female threads (or female threaded section) may be matedwith male threads (or a male threaded section) of the second section 110to connect the first section 105 and the second section 110. However,example embodiments are not limited to this example embodiment. Rather,the connectors may be, for example, snug-fit connectors, detentconnectors, clamp connectors, clasp connectors, or the like. Moreover,the positioning of the male and female connectors may be reversed asdesired such that the male connector is part of the first section 105.

A conductive post 218 nests within the hollow portion of the firstconnector piece 216, and is electrically insulated from the firstconnector piece 216 by a gasket insulator 220. The conductive post 218may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper,or the like) and may serve as an anode portion of the first connectorpiece 216.

The conductive post 218 defines the central air passage 214. The centralair passage 214 is in fluid communication with the air passage 208 viathe transverse channel 212. The gasket insulator 220 holds theconductive post 218 within the first connector piece 216. The gasketinsulator 220 also electrically insulates the conductive post 218 froman outer portion 222 of the first connector piece 216.

The outer portion 222 of the first connector piece 216 serves as thecathode connector of the first connector piece 216, and the outerportion 222 is electrically insulated from the conductive post 218 bythe gasket insulator 220. The outer portion 222 may sometimes bereferred to herein as a cathode connector or cathode portion. The outerportion 222 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., stainlesssteel, copper, or the like).

Still referring to the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , asecond nose portion 224 of a second gasket 226 may be fitted into asecond end portion 250 of the air tube 202. An outer perimeter of thesecond gasket 226 may also provide a substantially tight seal with aninterior surface of the first housing 120. The second gasket 226 mayinclude a central passage 228 (or channel) disposed between the innerpassage 210 of the air tube 202 and the interior of the mouthpiece 125.Non-nicotine vapor may flow from the inner passage 210 into a cavitywithin the mouthpiece 125 through the central passage 228.

The mouthpiece 125 includes at least two outlets 230, which may belocated off-axis from the longitudinal axis of the non-nicotine e-vapingdevice 10. The outlets 230 may be recessed or non-recessed and angledoutwardly in relation to the longitudinal axis of the non-nicotinee-vaping device 10. The outlets 230 may be substantially uniformlydistributed about the perimeter of the mouthpiece 125 so as tosubstantially uniformly distribute non-nicotine vapor.

The first section 105 further includes a non-nicotine reservoir 232configured to store a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation and a vaporizer234. The vaporizer 234 includes a heating element 236 and a wick 238.The vaporizer 234 is configured to vaporize non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation drawn from the non-nicotine reservoir 232. In the exampleembodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the confines of the non-nicotinereservoir 232 are defined between the first gasket 206, the secondgasket 226, the first housing 120, and the air tube 202. However,example embodiments should not be limited by this example. Thenon-nicotine reservoir 232 may contain a non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation, and optionally a storage medium 232LD, 232HD configured tostore the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation therein.

In at least one example embodiment, the storage medium may be a fibrousmaterial including at least one of cotton (e.g., a winding of cottongauze), polyethylene, polyester, rayon, combinations thereof, or thelike. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the storage medium 232LD, 232HD mayinclude two layers of fibrous material. Each layer may have a differentdensity. The fibers may have a diameter ranging in size from about 6microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 micronsor about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be asintered, porous or foamed material. Also, the fibers may be sized to beirrespirable and may have a cross-section which has a Y-shape, crossshape, clover shape or any other suitable shape. In the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the storage medium includes a low densitygauze 232LD surrounding a high density gauze 232HD. The high densitygauze 232HD may be positioned between the low density gauze 232LD andthe air tube 202 so that the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is drawntoward the wick 238.

In at least one other example embodiment, the non-nicotine reservoir 232may include a filled tank lacking any storage medium and containing onlynon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine reservoir 232 mayat least partially surround the inner passage 210 and the air tube 202.The heating element 236 may extend transversely across the inner passage210 between opposing portions of the non-nicotine reservoir 232. In atleast some example embodiments, the heating element 236 may extendparallel to a longitudinal axis of the inner passage 210.

The non-nicotine reservoir 232 may be sized and configured to holdenough non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation such that the non-nicotinee-vaping device 10 may be configured for vaping for at least about 200seconds. Moreover, the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 may be configuredto allow each puff to last a maximum of about 5 seconds.

As mentioned above, the vaporizer 234 incudes the heating element 236and the wick 238. The wick 238 may include at least a first end portionand a second end portion, which may extend into opposite sides of thenon-nicotine reservoir 232. The heating element 236 may at leastpartially surround a central portion of the wick 238.

The wick 238 may draw the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from thenon-nicotine reservoir 232 (e.g., via capillary action), and the heatingelement 236 may heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in thecentral portion of the wick 238 to a temperature sufficient to vaporizethe non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation thereby generating a “vapor.” Asreferred to herein, a “vapor” is any matter generated or outputted fromany non-nicotine e-vaping device according to any of the exampleembodiments disclosed herein.

In addition to the features discussed herein, in at least one exampleembodiment of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 may include thefeatures set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2013/0192623 to Tucker et al. filed Jan. 31, 2013 and/or features setforth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/135,930 to Holtz et al.filed Apr. 22, 2016, the entire contents of each of which areincorporated herein by reference thereto. In at least one other exampleembodiment, the non-nicotine e-vaping device may include the featuresset forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/135,923 filed Apr. 22,2016, and/or U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,014 issued Mar. 22, 2016, the entirecontents of each of which are incorporated herein by this referencethereto.

In at least one example embodiment, as discussed in more detail later,the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination ofmaterials that may be transformed into a non-nicotine vapor that isdevoid of nicotine.

In at least one example embodiment, the wick 238 may include filaments(or threads) having a capacity to draw the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation. For example, the wick 238 may be a bundle of glass (orceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glassfilaments, or the like, all of which arrangements may be capable ofdrawing non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation via capillary action byinterstitial spacing between the filaments. The filaments may begenerally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to thelongitudinal direction of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10. In atleast one example embodiment, the wick 238 may include one to eightfilament strands, each strand comprising a plurality of glass filamentstwisted together. The end portions of the wick 238 may be flexible andfoldable into the confines of the non-nicotine reservoir 232. Thefilaments may have a cross-section that is generally cross-shaped,clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or in any other suitable shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the wick 238 may include anysuitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitablematerials may be, but not limited to, glass, ceramic- or graphite-basedmaterials. The wick 238 may have any suitable capillarity drawing actionto accommodate non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations having differentphysical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension andvapor pressure. The wick 238 may be non-conductive.

In at least one example embodiment, the heating element 236 may includea coil of wire (a heater coil) which at least partially surrounds thewick 238. The wire used to form the coil of wire may be metal. Theheating element 236 may extend fully or partially along the length ofthe wick 238. The heating element 236 may further extend fully orpartially around the circumference of the wick 238. In some exampleembodiments, the heating element 236 may or may not be in contact (ordirect contact) with the wick 238.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the heating element236 is electrically connected to the conductive post 218 via a firstelectrical lead 240, and to the outer portion 222 via a secondelectrical lead 240′. Accordingly, the outer portion 222 and theconductive post 218 form respective external electrical connection tothe heating element 236.

In at least some other example embodiments, the heating element 236 maybe in the form of a planar body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a mesh,a cage of resistive wire or any other suitable form. More generally, theheating element 236 may be any heater that is configured to vaporize thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

In at least one example embodiment, the heating element 236 may beformed of any suitable electrically resistive materials. Examples ofsuitable electrically resistive materials may include, but not limitedto, copper, titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinumgroup. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but not limited to,stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium,hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium,manganese and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel,iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heating element 236 maybe formed of nickel aluminide, a material with a layer of alumina on thesurface, iron aluminide and other composite materials, the electricallyresistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coatedwith an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics ofenergy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.The heating element 236 may include at least one material selected fromthe group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys,nickel-chromium alloys, super alloys and combinations thereof. In anexample embodiment, the heating element 236 may be formed ofnickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In another exampleembodiment, the heating element 236 may be a ceramic heater having anelectrically resistive layer on an outside surface thereof.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the air tube 202 may include a pairof opposing slots 242, such that the wick 238 and the first and secondelectrical leads 240 and 240′ or ends of the heating element 236 mayextend out from the respective opposing slots 242. The provision of theopposing slots 242 in the air tube 202 may facilitate placement of theheating element 236 and the wick 238 into position within the air tube202 without impacting edges of the opposing slots 242 and the coiledsection of the heating element 236. Accordingly, edges of the opposingslots 242 may not be allowed to impact and alter the coil spacing of theheating element 236, which would otherwise create potential sources ofhotspots. In at least one example embodiment, the air tube 202 may havea diameter of about 4 mm and each of the opposing slots may have majorand minor dimensions of about 2 mm by about 4 mm.

In at least one example embodiment, the heating element 236 may heatnon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the wick 238 by thermalconduction. Alternatively, heat from the heating element 236 may beconducted to the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation by means of a heatconductive element or the heating element 236 may transfer heat to theincoming ambient air that is drawn through the non-nicotine e-vapingdevice 10 during vaping, which in turn heats the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation by convection.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the first section 105 may further include a covertube 244, a spacer tube 246 and an inner tube 248. Although not shown inFIG. 2 , the cover tube 244 may be arranged to surround the portion ofthe air tube 202 between the heating element 236 and the second noseportion 224. As with the air tube 202, the cover tube 244 may extend inthe longitudinal direction and may be coaxially positioned within thefirst housing 120. The cover tube 244 may cover a portion of each of theopposing slots 242.

The spacer tube 246 may extend in the longitudinal direction and becoaxially positioned within the air tube 202 between the heating element236 and the conductive post 218. The inner tube 248 may extend in thelongitudinal direction and be coaxially positioned within the spacertube 246. Although the cover tube 244, the spacer tube 246 and the innertube 248 are shown in FIG. 3 , one or more of these tubes (e.g., theinner tube 248) may be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second section of an exampleembodiment of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 along line II-IT ofFIG. 1 . FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an example embodiment of thesecond section 110 shown in FIG. 4 .

The second section 110 may be a reusable section of the non-nicotinee-vaping device 10, wherein the reusable section may be capable of beingrecharged by an external charging device. Alternatively, the secondsection 110 may be disposable. In this example, the second section 110may be used until the energy from a power supply 402 (described below)is depleted (e.g., the energy fails below a threshold level).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , according to at least this exampleembodiment, the power supply 402 includes an anode connection 404 and acathode connection 406. Each of the anode connection 404 and the cathodeconnection 406 may be in the form of one or more electrical leads orwires. The power supply 402 may be a battery. For example, the powersupply 402 may be a Lithium-ion battery, or a variant of a Lithium-ionbattery, such as a Lithium-ion polymer battery. The battery may eitherbe disposable or rechargeable.

The second section 110 further includes a connector piece 408 at a firstend of the second section 110. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the connector piece 408 is a male connector configured to connect tothe female first connector piece 216 of the first section 105.Alternatively, the connector piece 408 may be a female connectorconfigured to connect to a male connector of the first section 105.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the connector piece 408includes threads 410 configured to mate with corresponding threads onthe first connector piece 216 of the first section 105. Althoughillustrated as a threaded connection, according to at least some otherexample embodiments, the connector piece 408 may be, for example,snug-fit connectors, detent connectors, clamp connectors, claspconnectors, or the like.

The cathode connection (connector piece 408) of the power supply 402terminates at, and is electrically connected to, a sensor assembly 424positioned proximate to a second end of the second section 110. Thesensor assembly 424 will be discussed in more detail later.

The anode connection 404 terminates at, and is electrically connectedto, a conductive post 412. The conductive post 412 may serve as theanode portion of the connector piece 408. The conductive post 412defines a central passage 414, which is in fluid communication with oneor more side vents 416. The side vents 416 may be holes bored into theconductive post 412. The central passage 414 and the one or more sidevents 416 allow for puff detection by the sensor assembly (e.g., a puffsensor assembly) 424 resulting from changes in pressure when air isdrawn in through air inlets 145.

Although only two side vents 416 and two air inlets 145 are shown inFIG. 4 , example embodiments should not be limited to this example.Rather, the conductive post 412 may include any number of side vents416, and the connector piece 408 may include any number of air inlets145. For example, the conductive post 412 may include 4 side vents 416spaced apart at equal distances around the conductive post 412.Similarly, the connector piece 408 may include 4 air inlets 145 spacedapart at equal distances around the connector piece 408.

The conductive post 412 further includes an upper portion 418 having anindentation allowing air drawn through the air inlets 145 to flow and/orcommunicate through the end of the second section 110 into the firstsection 105 when connected to the second section 110.

The conductive post 412 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g.,stainless steel, copper, or the like), and nested within the hollowportion of the connector piece 408. When the connector piece 408 of thesecond section 110 is coupled to the first connector piece 216 of thefirst section 105, the upper portion 418 (and the conductive post 412)physically and electrically connects to the conductive post 218 to allowflow of electrical current from the power supply 402 to the heatingelement 236. The electrical connection also allows for electricalsignaling between the first section 105 and the second section 110.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , a gasket insulator 420 holds theconductive post 412 within the connector piece 408. The gasket insulator420 also electrically insulates the conductive post 412 from an outerportion 422 of the connector piece 408. The outer portion 422 may beformed of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, or thelike) and may serve as a cathode portion of the connector piece 408.

As mentioned above, the connector piece 408 includes one or more airinlets 145 configured to communicate ambient air into the connectorpiece 408. The air inlets 145 may also be sometimes referred to as ventsor air vents.

The ambient air drawn into the connector piece 408 may combine and/ormix with air flowing out of the one or more side vents 416 and flow intothe first section 105, when the first section 105 is coupled to thesecond section 110. In at least one example embodiment, the air inlets145 may be bored into the connector piece 408 just below the threads 410at an angle perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal centerline of the connector piece 408.

The sidewalls of the air inlets 145 may be beveled in order to cause thesidewalls to slope inwards (e.g., to “countersink” the sidewalls at therim of the air inlets 145). By beveling the sidewalls at the rim of theair inlets 145 (as opposed to using relatively sharp edges at the rim ofthe air inlets 145), the air inlets 145 may be less likely to becomeclogged or partially blocked (due to a reduction in the effectivecross-sectional area of the air inlets 145 near the rim of the airinlets 145). In at least one example embodiment, the sidewalls of therim of the air inlets 145 may be beveled (inclined) to be about 38degrees relative to a longitudinal length (or the longitudinalcenterline) of the connector piece 408 and the second housing 120′ ofthe second section 110.

In at least one example embodiment, the air inlets 145 may be sized andconfigured such that the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 has aresistance-to-draw (RTD) in the range of from about 60 mm H₂O to about150 mm H₂O.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 and 5 , as mentioned above, the secondsection 110 includes a sensor assembly (e.g., a puff sensor assembly)424.

As shown in FIG. 4 , for example, the sensor assembly 424 iselectrically connected and powered by the power supply 402. In at leastthis example embodiment, the sensor assembly 424 includes a sensor(e.g., a puff sensor) 426, a saturation sensor 427, and controlcircuitry 428.

The control circuitry 428 is configured to provide an electrical currentand/or electrical signaling to the first section 105. To this end, thecontrol circuitry 428 is electrically connected to the conductive post412 (anode portion of the connector piece 408) via control circuitrywiring (or lead) 430, and to the outer (cathode) portion 422 of theconnector piece 408 via control circuitry wiring (or lead) 432. In atleast this example, the control circuitry wiring 432 acts as a cathodefor the electrical circuit including the sensor assembly 424.

The sensor 426 may be a capacitive sensor capable of sensing an internalpressure drop within the second section 110. The sensor 426 and thecontrol circuitry 428 may function together to open and close a heatercontrol circuit (not shown) between the power supply 402 and the heatingelement 236 of the first section 105 when coupled to the second section110. In at least one example embodiment, the sensor 426 is configured togenerate an output indicative of a magnitude and direction of airflowthrough the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10. In this example, thecontrol circuitry 428 receives the output of the sensor 426, anddetermines if (1) the direction of the airflow indicates an applicationof negative pressure to (e.g., draw on) the mouthpiece 125 (versuspositive pressure or blowing) and (2) the magnitude of the applicationof negative pressure exceeds a threshold level. If these vapingconditions are met, then the control circuitry 428 electrically connectsthe power supply 402 to the heating element 236 to activate the heatingelement 236.

In one example, the heater control circuit may include a heater powercontrol transistor (not shown). The control circuitry 428 mayelectrically connect the power supply 402 to the heating element 236 byactivating the heater power control transistor. In at least one example,the heater power control transistor (or heater control circuit) may formpart of the control circuitry 428.

According to at least one example embodiment, the sensor assembly 424may include one or more features set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,321 toLoi Ling Liu and/or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0305410to Loi Ling Liu, the entire contents of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference. However, example embodiments should not be limitedto this example. Rather, the control circuitry 428 and the sensor 426may be separate elements arranged on a printed circuit board, andconnected via electrical contacts. Additionally, although discussedherein with regard to a capacitive sensor, the sensor 426 may be anysuitable pressure sensor, for example, a Microelectromechanical system(MEMS) including a piezo-resistive or other pressure sensor.

As is described in further detail in FIGS. 7-11 , the saturation sensor427 is connected to the power supply 402 via cathode connection 406 andelectrical lead 430 and to the first section 105 via electrical lead432. The saturation sensor 427 may be configured to measure one or moreelectrical characteristics of a saturation circuit included in the firstsection 105. According to one or more example embodiments, thesaturation sensor 427 may measure a resistance and/or a capacitance ofthe saturation circuit. From the resistance and/or capacitance, thecontrol circuitry 428 may calculate the impedance of the saturationcircuit. In one example, based on the resistance, capacitance and/orimpedance, the control circuitry 428 may detect when the non-nicotinepre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotine reservoir 232 is becomingdepleted (e.g., the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in thenon-nicotine reservoir falls below a first minimum threshold level) andgenerate an alert accordingly. In another example, the control circuitry428 may cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 to disable vapingand/or power off when depletion of the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation in the non-nicotine reservoir is detected (e.g., the amountof non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotine reservoirfalls below a second minimum threshold level, which is less than thefirst minimum threshold level).

The control circuitry 428 may include, among other things, a controller.According to one or more example embodiments, the controller may beimplemented using hardware, a combination of hardware and software, orstorage media storing software. Hardware may be implemented usingprocessing or control circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or moreprocessors, one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs), one or moremicrocontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or moredigital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one ormore field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more System-on-Chips(SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or moremicroprocessors, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits(ASICs), or any other device or devices capable of responding to andexecuting instructions in a defined manner.

In another example embodiment, the control circuitry 428 may include amanually operable switch for an adult vaper to supply power to theheating element 236.

In at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry 428 may limitthe time period during which electrical current is continuously suppliedto the heating element 236. The time period may be set or pre-setdepending on the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation desired tobe vaporized. In one example, the time period for continuous applicationof electrical current to the heating element 236 may be limited suchthat the heating element 236 heats a portion of the wick 238 for lessthan about 10 seconds. In another example, the time period forcontinuous application of electrical current to the heating element 236may be limited such that the heating element 236 heats a portion of thewick 238 for about 5 seconds.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the sensor assembly 424 is cradledwithin a sensor holder 434 at the second end of the second section 110.In at least one example embodiment, the sensor holder 434 may be part ofa silicon or rubber gasket. However, example embodiments should not belimited to this example.

A heat activation light 436 may also be arranged to the second end ofthe second section 110. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , theheat activation light 436 may be arranged within the end cap 135. Theheat activation light 436 may include one or more light-emitting diodes(LEDs). The LEDs may include one or more colors (e.g., white, yellow,red, green, blue, or the like). Moreover, the heat activation light 436may be visible to an adult vaper during vaping, and configured to glowwhen the power supply 402 supplies electrical current to the heatingelement 236. The heat activation light 436 may be utilized for thenon-nicotine e-vaping system diagnostics or to indicate that rechargingof the power supply 402 is in progress. The heat activation light 436may also be configured such that the adult vaper may activate ordeactivate the heat activation light 436 for privacy. The heatactivation light 436 may be part of, or electrically connected to, thesensor assembly 424 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,321 to Loi LingLiu and/or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0305410 to LoiLing Liu.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of thenon-nicotine e-vaping device shown in FIG. 1 along line II-IT.

In FIG. 6 , the first section 105 is shown coupled to the second section110. The arrows in FIG. 6 indicate example air flow through thenon-nicotine e-vaping device 10.

Operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 to create anon-nicotine vapor when the first section 105 is coupled to the secondsection 110 will now be described with regard to FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , air is drawn primarily into the first section 105through the at least one of the air inlets 145 in response toapplication of negative pressure to the mouthpiece 125.

If the control circuitry 428 detects the vaping conditions discussedabove, then the control circuitry 428 initiates supply of power to theheating element 236, such that the heating element 236 heatsnon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation on the wick 238 to generatenon-nicotine vapor.

The air drawn through the air inlets 145 enters the cavity within theconnector piece 408 and passes through the indentation in the upperportion 418 into the central air passage 214. From the central airpassage 214, air flows through the transverse channel 212, through theair passage 208, and then through the inner passage 210.

The air flowing through the inner passage 210 combines and/or mixes withthe non-nicotine vapor generated by the heating element 236, and theair-non-nicotine vapor mixture passes from the inner passage 210 intothe central passage 228 and then into the cavity within the mouthpiece125. From the cavity in the mouthpiece 125, the air-non-nicotine vapormixture flows out of the outlets 230.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of asaturation circuit assembly 700. FIG. 7 depicts a portion of the firstsection 105 of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10, enhancing the viewof the heating element 236. In at least an example embodiment, thesaturation circuit assembly 700 includes a probe wire 705 extendingalong the length of the wick 238, but separate from (not in contactwith) the heating element 236. In various example embodiments, the wick238 and the probe wire 705 may be shorter or longer than that shown inFIG. 7 . The probe wire 705 is connected to the first electrical lead240 via a first probe lead 710. When the first section 105 is engagedwith the second section 110, the first probe lead 710 electricallyconnects the probe wire 705 to the power supply 402 in the secondsection 110.

As mentioned previously and described in more detail below, thesaturation sensor 427 may measure at least one electrical characteristicor determine an impedance across at least a portion of the first section105. More specifically, for example, the saturation sensor 427 maymeasure at least one electrical characteristic or determine an impedanceacross the saturation circuit assembly 700, connecting the probe wire705 and the heating element 236 to the first electrical lead 240 and thesecond electrical lead 240′. In various example embodiments, the atleast one electrical characteristic may include, but should not belimited to, a resistance, a capacitance, or both.

The control circuitry 428 in the second section 140′ may determine animpedance associated with the heating element 236 and the probe wire 705based on the measured electrical characteristic(s), for example,resistance, measured by the saturation sensor 427. In various exampleembodiments, the control circuitry 428 may determine a saturation levelof the wick 238 based on the impedance or the at least one electricalcharacteristic.

As the electrical characteristic(s) and resulting impedance areindicative (e.g., directly indicative) of the saturation level of thewick 238, the electrical characteristics and/or impedance may be used todetect depletion of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in thenon-nicotine reservoir 232 so that undesired non-nicotine vapor elementswill not be generated. In other words, for example, the saturationsensor 427 and measured electrical characteristics may enable detectingof dry wick conditions (also referred to as dry puff conditions), and inturn, depletion of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in thenon-nicotine reservoir.

The probe wire 705 may be made of stainless steel; however, any otherconductive metal acceptable to product safety may be used. Thesaturation sensor 427 may implement any suitable method for determiningimpedance between the heating element 236 and the probe wire 705, suchas based on a measured resistance, a measured capacitance, or a measuredcombination of resistance and capacitance.

As described below, the saturation circuit assembly 700 is sensitive toboth the presence and the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulationin the wick 238. For example, when the wick 238 is initially dry, theimpedance may have a resistive measurement in excess of about 10 MΩ anda capacitance of about 2 pf. However, once (e.g., within a few seconds)a drop of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation (e.g., about 5 mg) isplaced on one end of the wick 238, the resistive measurement may beabout 2 MΩ and the capacitance may be about 200 pf. As furthernon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is added, the impedance continues tochange, until the wick 238 is saturated. When fully saturated, the wick238 may have a resistance of about 45 KΩ and a capacitance of about 2200pf.

According to one or more example embodiments, in response to aresistance greater than or equal to about 101MΩ and/or a capacitance ofless than or equal to about 2 pf, the control circuitry 428 may poweroff or disable vaping at the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 by cuttingoff supply of power to the heating element 236. Additionally oralternatively, the control circuitry 428 may generate and display a drywick alert, by illuminating an indicator light on the non-nicotinee-vaping device 10. The indicator light may be the heat activation light436 and may illuminate a particular color or flash when the dry wickalert is generated. In various example embodiments, a separate indicatorlight may be included on the first housing 120 of the non-nicotinee-vaping device 10.

One or more example embodiments may provide more accurate resistanceand/or capacitance measurements because the saturation circuit assembly700 is more directly influenced by the amount of non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation saturating the wick 238 since the wick 238 is in contactwith the probe wire 705 and the heating element 236.

Additionally, non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations include glycerin,propylene glycol, and water, while other constituents are present insmaller quantities. Therefore, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulationacts as an electrolyte in the capacitor formed between the heatingelement 236 and the probe wire 705 (or the first housing 120, as shownin FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Therefore, the amount of non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation present more directly influences the capacitance of thesaturation sensor 427.

Since the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is not an insulator, thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation allows the passage of electricalcurrent, which can be measured readily to determine a resistance. Boththe capacitance and the resistance vary directly with the amount ofnon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation on (also referred to as saturationlevel of) the wick 238. Either or both may be measured to determine thatthe amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation on the wick 238 isdecreasing (or has decreased) below a minimum threshold level (e.g., thewick 238 is beginning to dry). The combination of resistance andcapacitance may be used to determine the electrical impedance of thewick 238.

When non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is heated to generatenon-nicotine vapor, the saturation level of the wick 238 decreases, andadditional non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows into the wick 238from the non-nicotine reservoir (e.g., via capillary action) toreplenish the wick 238. As a result, a flow rate at which the saturationlevel of the wick 238 is replenished may be determined.

The control circuitry 428 may compare the flow or refill rate with aminimum flow rate threshold to determine whether the non-nicotinepre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotine reservoir is becomingdepleted. If the flow rate is below the minimum flow rate threshold, thecontrol circuitry 428 determines that the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation in the non-nicotine reservoir is becoming depleted, and mayoutput a corresponding indication or alert to the adult vaper. Theindication or alert may be illuminating an indicator light (simplypowering on the light or performing a flashing pattern).

Calculation of a flow or refill rate for the wick 238 will be discussedin more detail below with regard to FIG. 11 .

Moreover, the electrical characteristics measurements may be performedwhile the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 is operational (e.g., during apuff when power is applied to the heating element 236) and may beperformed using the first electrical lead 240 and the second electricallead 240′, without the need for an additional third electrical lead fromthe first section 105 to the second section 110.

While being described within the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10, thesaturation sensor 427 and the saturation circuit assembly 700 may beimplemented on a wick included in paint or ink systems, food systemsimplementing a wicking of flavoring or other ingredients, a feedbacksystem to increase a wicking refill rate, medical systems to detectsaturation of a bandage, etc. Because the saturation sensor 427 and thesaturation circuit assembly 700 are sensitive, the described systemcould be used to detect an increase of a liquid presence or level beforethe liquid begins to accumulate in a protected area, increasing thevarious applications of the system.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of asaturation circuit assembly 800. FIG. 8 depicts a portion of the firstsection 105 of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10, enhancing the viewof the heating element 236. The saturation circuit assembly 800 of FIG.8 is similar to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 7 except that thesaturation circuit assembly 800 includes a probe wire 805 around the airtube 202 that is connected to the first electrical lead 240. In variousexample embodiments, the probe wire 805 may be connected to the secondelectrical lead 240′.

A first probe lead 810 connects one end of the probe wire 805 to thefirst electrical lead 240. Additionally, the first housing 120 isconnected to the first electrical lead 240 via a first housing lead 820.The saturation sensor 427 measures a resistance and/or a capacitancebetween the probe wire 805 and the first housing 120 to determine theamount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotinereservoir 232. Then, as described above, the control circuitry 428disables the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 and/or outputs an alert ofan empty, low, or near depleted non-nicotine reservoir 232 accordingly.In various example embodiments, the saturation circuit assembly 800 mayexclude the first housing lead 820 and instead measure the resistanceand/or capacitance across the probe wire 805 and the heating element236. As mentioned similarly above, the probe wire 805 is configured tocircumscribe the air tube 202.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of asaturation circuit assembly 900. FIG. 9 depicts a portion of the firstsection 105 of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10, enhancing the viewof the heating element 236. The saturation circuit assembly 900 of FIG.9 is similar to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8 except that thesaturation circuit assembly 900 excludes the probe wire 805. Instead,the saturation sensor 427 measures a resistance and/or a capacitanceacross the heating element 236 and the first housing 120 to determine asaturation level of the wick 238.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a saturationdetermination circuit arrangement. The saturation circuit assembly 700of FIG. 7 is electrically coupled to the power supply 402, the sensorassembly 424, the saturation sensor 427, and the control circuitry 428via various electrical leads (the first electrical lead 240, the secondelectrical lead 240′, the anode connection 404, the cathode connection406, control circuitry wiring 430 and 432), and conductive posts 218 and418. The saturation sensor 427 measures a resistance and/or acapacitance across the saturation circuit assembly 700. The samesaturation determination circuit arrangement may be used with thesaturation circuit assembly 800 of FIG. 8 and the saturation circuitassembly 900 of FIG. 9 .

The control circuitry 428 may include a non-volatile memory (not shown)storing impedance thresholds, resistance thresholds, capacitancethresholds, flow or refill rate thresholds, etc.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for non-nicotinepre-vapor formulation depletion detection.

For example purposes, the example embodiment shown in FIG. 11 will bediscussed with regard to resistance and with regard to the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 7 . However, example embodiments should not belimited to this example. Rather, the control circuitry 428 may performthe method shown in FIG. 11 based on measured capacitance or impedanceof the wick 238. In one example, the control circuitry 428 may measurecapacitance of the wick 238, which may then be utilized in place ofresistance in the method shown in FIG. 11 . In another example, thecontrol circuitry 428 may measure resistance and capacitance of the wick238, which may then be utilized to compute and/or determine an impedanceof the wick 238. The impedance of the wick 238 may then be utilized inplace of the resistance in the method shown in FIG. 11 . Moreover, thecontrol circuitry 428 may perform a similar method based on informationobtained from the example embodiments of the saturation circuit assemblyshown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .

Referring to FIG. 11 , at 1000 the control circuitry 428 determineswhether vaping conditions exist at the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10.According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry 428may determine whether vaping conditions exist at the non-nicotinee-vaping device 10 based on output from the sensor assembly 424. In oneexample, if the output from the sensor assembly 424 indicatesapplication of negative pressure above a threshold at the mouthpiece 125of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10, then the control circuitry 428determines that vaping conditions exist at the non-nicotine e-vapingdevice 10.

If the control circuitry 428 determines that vaping conditions exist,then at 1100 the control circuitry 428 measures (or causes thesaturation circuit assembly 700 to measure) the resistance of the wick238. As mentioned above, although the example embodiment shown in FIG.11 is discussed with regard to resistance, the control circuitry 428 maymeasure and/or determine at least one electrical characteristic of thewick 238, wherein the at least one electrical characteristic may includea resistance and/or a capacitance of the wick 238, or an impedance ofthe wick 238, which is determined based on the resistance and/orcapacitance.

At 1105, the control circuitry 428 determines whether the measuredresistance of the wick 238 is greater than or equal to a first threshold(e.g., about 10 Me).

If the measured resistance of the wick 238 is greater than or equal tothe first threshold, then at 1110 the control circuitry 428 disables thenon-nicotine e-vaping device 10. In at least one example embodiment,disabling of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 may include disablingvaping function by cutting off power to the heating element 236 orcausing the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 to power off (or enter a lowpower state). The process then terminates. Although not shown, at 1110the control circuitry 428 may also cause the heat activation light 436to illuminate in a particular color indicating that the wick 238 is dryand/or the non-nicotine reservoir 232 is depleted.

Returning to 1105, if the control circuitry 428 determines that themeasured resistance is less than the first threshold, then at 1115 thecontrol circuitry 428 determines whether the measured resistance isabove a second threshold (e.g., about 2 MΩ).

If the measured resistance is above the second threshold (and thus,between about 10 MΩ and about 2 MΩ), then at 1120 the control circuitry428 generates and displays a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation lowalert, such as by illuminating the heat activation light 436.

At 1145, the control circuitry 428 determines whether vaping conditionsstill exist in the same or substantially the same manner as discussedabove with regard to 1000.

If vaping conditions still exist, then the process returns to 1100 andcontinues as discussed herein.

Returning to 1145, if vaping conditions no longer exist (e.g., the puffhas ended), then the process terminates.

Returning to 1115, if the measured resistance is less than the secondthreshold, then at 1117 the control circuitry 428 determines whethervaping conditions still exist (whether the current puff has ended) inthe same or substantially the same manner as discussed above with regardto 1000.

If vaping conditions no longer exist, then at 1130 the control circuitry428 measures the resistance of the wick 238 at the time when the vapingconditions ceased and again at the end of a threshold time period (e.g.,0.5, 1, or 2 seconds).

At 1135, the control circuitry 428 calculates a refill rate or a flowrate based on the difference between the saturation level (indicated byresistance measurement) at the end of the puff and the saturation level(indicated by resistance measurement) at the end of the threshold timeperiod. In this case, the saturation level may be indicated by themeasured resistance level R₀ of the wick 238 at the end of the puff(first time) and the measured resistance level R₁ of the wick 238 at theend of the threshold time period after the puff has ended (second time).In one example, the control circuitry 428 may compute the refill rate asthe change in resistance level divided by the length of the thresholdtime period

$\left( {{REFILL\_ RATE} = \frac{R_{0} - R_{1}}{t_{TH}}} \right).$

in another example in which impedance is used, the refill rate may becomputed as the change in impedance level divided by the length of thethreshold time period; that is,

$\left( {{REFILL\_ RATE} = \frac{Z_{0} - Z_{1}}{t_{TH}}} \right),$

where Z₀ is the impedance of the wick 238 at the end of the puff, and Z₁is the impedance of the wick at the end of the threshold time periodafter the end of the puff.

In at least one other example embodiment, the control circuitry 428 maycalculate the flow or refill rate by monitoring the resistance,capacitance and/or impedance of the wick 238 during a puff to determinea minimum saturation level (e.g., maximum resistance or impedance value)and then when the wick 238 becomes re-saturated (reaches its initialresistance or impedance level). The control circuitry 428 may thencompute the flow rate as the amount of re-saturation (difference betweenthe impedance at depletion and re-saturation, which may be indicated byresistance measurements) over the time between when the wick 238 is atthe minimum saturation level and when the wick 238 is re-saturated.

At 1140, the control circuitry 428 compares the refill rate computed at1135 with a minimum refill rate threshold to determine whether therefill rate is less than the minimum refill rate threshold.

As the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotinereservoir 232 decreases, the refill rate for the wick 238 decreases.Thus, the control circuitry 428 may determine that the non-nicotinepre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotine reservoir 232 is becomingdepleted (falls below a minimum threshold) when the refill rate for thewick falls below a minimum threshold level.

If the control circuitry 428 determines that the refill rate is belowthe minimum threshold at 1140, then the control circuitry 428 determinesthat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the non-nicotinereservoir 232 is becoming depleted (is low). Accordingly, the processproceeds to 1120 and continues as discussed herein.

Returning to 1140, if the refill rate is greater than the minimum refillrate threshold, then the process returns to 1100 and continues asdiscussed herein.

Returning to 1117, if the control circuitry 428 determines that vapingconditions still exist, then the control circuitry 428 continues tomonitor output of the sensor assembly 424 to determine when the vapingconditions cease (the puff has ended). Once vaping conditions are nolonger present, the process proceeds to 1130 and continues as discussedabove.

Returning now to 1000 in FIG. 11 , if the control circuitry 428determines that vaping conditions are not yet present, then the controlcircuitry 428 continues to monitor output of the sensor assembly 424 forvaping conditions. Once vaping conditions are detected, the processproceeds to 1100 and continues as discussed above.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another elementor layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or coveringthe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,or the like, may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing variousexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exampleembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed aslimited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. Itwill be further understood that terms, including those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

In an example embodiment, a flavoring (at least one flavorant) and/or anon-nicotine compound is included in the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation. In an example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation is a liquid, solid, dispersion and/or a gel formulationincluding, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, activeingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors,and/or at least one non-nicotine vapor former such as glycerin andpropylene glycol.

The non-nicotine compound is devoid of nicotine. In an exampleembodiment, the non-nicotine compound does not include tobacco, nor isthe compound derived from tobacco. In an example embodiment, thenon-nicotine compound is cannabis, or includes at least onecannabis-derived constituent. In an example embodiment, acannabis-derived constituent includes at least one of a cannabis-derivedcannabinoid (e.g., a phytocannabinoid, or a cannabinoid synthesized by acannabis plant), at least one cannabis-derive terpene, at least onecannabis-derived flavonoid, or combinations thereof.

In an example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of,or included in, a solid, a semi-solid, a gel, a hydrogel, orcombinations thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is infused into, orco-mingled or combined within, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.In an example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of,or included in, a liquid or a partial-liquid, that includes an extract,an oil, a tincture, a suspension, a dispersion, a colloid, an alcohol, ageneral non-neutral (slightly acidic or slightly basic) solution, orcombinations thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is infused into, orcomingled or combined within, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. Inan example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is a constituent of thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. In an example embodiment, thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is, or is part of, a dispersion, asuspension, a gel, a hydrogel, a colloid, or combinations thereof, andthe non-nicotine compound is a constituent of the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation.

In an example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound undergoes a slow,natural decarboxylation process over an extended duration of time at lowtemperatures, including at or below room temperature (72° F.). In anexample embodiment, the non-nicotine compound may undergo asignificantly elevated decarboxylation process, on the order of 50%decarboxylation or greater if the non-nicotine compound is exposed toelevated temperatures especially in the range of about 175° F. orgreater over a period of time (minutes or hours, at a relatively lowpressure such as 1 atmosphere), where even further elevated temperatures(about 240° F. or greater) can cause a rapid or instantaneousdecarboxylation to occur at a potentially high decarboxylation rate (50%or more), though ever further elevated temperatures can cause adegradation of some or all of the chemical properties of thenon-nicotine compounds.

In an example embodiment, the at least one non-nicotine vapor former ofthe non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes diols (such as propyleneglycol and/or 1, 3-propanediol), glycerin and combinations, orsub-combinations, thereof. Various amounts of non-nicotine vapor formermay be used. For example, in some example embodiments, the at least onenon-nicotine vapor former is included in an amount ranging from about20% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation to about 90% by weight based on the weight of thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation (for example, the non-nicotine vaporformer is in the range of about 50% to about 80%, or about 55% to 75%,or about 60% to 70%), etc. As another example, in an example embodiment,the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes a weight ratio of thediol to glycerin that ranges from about 1:4 to 4:1, where the diol ispropylene glycol, or 1,3-propanediol, or combinations thereof. In anexample embodiment, this ratio is about 3:2. Other amounts or ranges maybe used.

In an example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulationincludes water. Various amounts of water may be used. For example, insome example embodiments, water may be included in an amount rangingfrom about 5% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotinepre-vapor formulation to about 40% by weight based on the weight of thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, or in an amount ranging from about10% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation to about 15% by weight based on the weight of thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. Other amounts or percentages may beused. For example, in an example embodiment, the remaining portion ofthe non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation that is not water (and not thenon-nicotine compound and/or flavorants), is the non-nicotine vaporformer (described above), where the non-nicotine vapor former is between30% by weight and 70% by weight propylene glycol, and the balance of thenon-nicotine vapor former is glycerin. Other amounts or percentages maybe used.

In an example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulationincludes at least one flavorant in an amount ranging from about 0.2% toabout 15% by weight (for instance, the flavorant may be in the range ofabout 1% to 12%, or about 2% to 10%, or about 5% to 8%). In an exampleembodiment, the at least one flavorant includes volatile cannabis flavorcompounds (flavonoids). In an example embodiment, the at least oneflavorant includes flavor compounds instead of, or in addition to, thecannabis flavor compounds. In an example embodiment, the at least oneflavorant may be at least one of a natural flavorant, an artificialflavorant, or a combination of a natural flavorant and an artificialflavorant. For instance, the at least one flavorant may include menthol,wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, combinations thereof, and/orextracts thereof. In addition, flavorants may be included to provideherb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors, roastedflavors, minty flavors, savory flavors, combinations thereof, and anyother desired flavors.

In an example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound may be a medicinalplant, or a naturally occurring constituent of the plant that has amedically-accepted therapeutic effect. The medicinal plant may be acannabis plant, and the constituent may be at least one cannabis-derivedconstituent. Cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) are an example of acannabis-derived constituent, and cannabinoids interact with receptorsin the body to produce a wide range of effects. As a result,cannabinoids have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes.Cannabis-derived materials may include the leaf and/or flower materialfrom one or more species of cannabis plants, or extracts from the one ormore species of cannabis plants. In an example embodiment, the one ormore species of cannabis plants includes Cannabis sativa, Cannabisindica, and Cannabis ruderalis. In some example embodiments, thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes a mixture of cannabis and/orcannabis-derived constituents that are, or are derived from, 60-80%(e.g., 70%) Cannabis sativa and 20-40% (e.g., 30%) Cannabis indica.

Examples of cannabis-derived cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinolicacid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA),cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL),cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinolicacid (TUCA) is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), whilecannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is precursor of cannabidiol (CBD).Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. (THCA) and canrrabidiolic acid (CBDA) maybe converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD),respectively, via heating. In an example embodiment, heat from theheater 60 may cause decarboxylation to convert tetrahydrocannabinolicacid (THCA) in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation totetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and/or to convert cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to cannabidiol (CBD).

In instances where both tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) andtetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation, the decarboxylaion and resulting conversion will cause adecrease in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and an increase intetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of thetetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) may be converted totetrahydrocannabinol (THC), via the decarboxylation process, during theheating of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for purposes ofvaporization. Similarly, in instances where both cannabidiolic acid(CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation, the decarboxylation and resulting conversion will cause adecrease in cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and an increase in cannabidiol (CD). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the cannabidiohc acid (CID A)may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD), via the decarboxylation process,during the heating of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation forpurposes of vaporization.

The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may contain the non-nicotinecompound that provides the medically-accepted therapeutic effect (e.g.,treatment of pain, nausea, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders). Details onmethods of treatment may be found in U.S. application Ser. No.15/845,501, filed Dec. 18, 2017, titled “VAPORIZING DEVICES AND METHODSFOR DELIVERING A COMPOUND USING THE SAME,” the disclosure of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understoodthat other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to oneskilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understoodthat other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to oneskilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A non-nicotine e-vaping device comprising: a saturationsensor configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic of awick at a first time, and measure the at least one electricalcharacteristic of the wick at a second time, the second time beingsubsequent to the first time; and control circuitry configured to causethe non-nicotine e-vaping device to calculate a refill rate at which anon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows onto the wick based on the atleast one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at leastone electrical characteristic at the second time, determine that therefill rate is less than a threshold refill rate, and output a lownon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determining thatthe refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.
 2. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitryis configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to calculate therefill rate based on a difference between the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the first time and the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the second time.
 3. The non-nicotine e-vaping deviceof claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause thenon-nicotine e-vaping device to compute a first impedance based on theat least one electrical characteristic at the first time, compute asecond impedance based on the at least one electrical characteristic atthe second time, and calculate the refill rate based on a differencebetween the first impedance and the second impedance.
 4. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, further comprising: anon-nicotine reservoir configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation; the wick, wherein the wick is configured to draw thenon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the non-nicotine reservoir; aheating element configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation drawn from the non-nicotine reservoir; and a probe wirealong a length of the wick, the probe wire being separated from theheating element by the wick.
 5. The non-nicotine e-vaping device ofclaim 4, wherein the at least one electrical characteristic of the wickis measured between the heating element and the probe wire.
 6. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 4, wherein the probe wire is astainless steel wire.
 7. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1,wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to measure the at least one electrical characteristic ofthe wick at a third time, determine that the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a thresholdvalue, and disable vaping at the non-nicotine e-vaping device inresponse to determining that the at least one electrical characteristicat the third time is greater than or equal to the threshold value. 8.The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the controlcircuitry is configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device tomeasure the at least one electrical characteristic of the wick at athird time, determine that the at least one electrical characteristic atthe third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and outputthe low non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response todetermining that the at least one electrical characteristic at the thirdtime is greater than or equal to the threshold value.
 9. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitryis configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to measure theat least one electrical characteristic of the wick at a third time,compute an impedance of the wick based on the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the third time, determine that the impedance isgreater than or equal to a threshold value, and disable vaping at thenon-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determining that theimpedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.
 10. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitryis configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to measure theat least one electrical characteristic of the wick at a third time,compute an impedance of the wick based on the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the third time, determine that the impedance isgreater than or equal to a threshold value, and output the lownon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determining thatthe impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.
 11. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, further comprising: a powersupply configured to provide power to the non-nicotine e-vaping device.12. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the at leastone electrical characteristic includes a resistance, a capacitance, orboth a resistance and a capacitance.
 13. A non-nicotine e-vaping devicecomprising: an outer housing; an inner tube coaxially positioned withinthe outer housing; a saturation sensor assembly configured to measure atleast one electrical characteristic between the outer housing and theinner tube at a first time and a second time, the second time beingsubsequent to the first time; and control circuitry configured to causethe non-nicotine e-vaping device to calculate a refill rate at which anon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows onto a wick based on the atleast one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at leastone electrical characteristic at the second time, determine that therefill rate is less than a threshold refill rate, and output a lownon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determining thatthe refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.
 14. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 13, further comprising: anon-nicotine reservoir configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation, the non-nicotine reservoir positioned between the innertube and the outer housing; the wick, wherein the wick is configured todraw the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the non-nicotinereservoir; and a heating element configured to heat the non-nicotinepre-vapor formulation drawn from the non-nicotine reservoir.
 15. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 13, further comprising: a probewire around an outer perimeter of the inner tube, wherein the saturationsensor assembly is configured to measure the at least one electricalcharacteristic between the outer housing and the inner tube by measuringthe at least one electrical characteristic between the outer housing andthe probe wire around the outer perimeter of the inner tube.
 16. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 15, wherein the probe wire is astainless steel wire.
 17. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 13,wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to calculate the refill rate based on a differencebetween the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time andthe at least one electrical characteristic at the second time.
 18. Thenon-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 13, wherein the control circuitryis configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to compute afirst impedance based on the at least one electrical characteristic atthe first time, compute a second impedance based on the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the second time, and calculate the refillrate based on a difference between the first impedance and the secondimpedance.
 19. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 13, wherein thecontrol circuitry is configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vapingdevice to measure the at least one electrical characteristic at a thirdtime, determine that the at least one electrical characteristic at thethird time is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and disablevaping at the non-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determiningthat the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time isgreater than or equal to the threshold value.
 20. The non-nicotinee-vaping device of claim 13, wherein the control circuitry is configuredto cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device to measure the at least oneelectrical characteristic at a third time, determine that the at leastone electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equalto a threshold value, and output the low non-nicotine pre-vaporformulation alert in response to determining that the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal tothe threshold value.
 21. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 13,wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause the non-nicotinee-vaping device to measure the at least one electrical characteristic ata third time, compute an impedance of the wick based on the at least oneelectrical characteristic at the third time, determine that theimpedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and disablevaping at the non-nicotine e-vaping device in response to determiningthat the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value. 22.The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 13, wherein the controlcircuitry is configured to cause the non-nicotine e-vaping device tomeasure the at least one electrical characteristic at a third time,compute an impedance of the wick based on the at least one electricalcharacteristic at the third time, determine that the impedance isgreater than or equal to a threshold value, and output the lownon-nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determining thatthe impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.